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Original Six Hockey #5
Big Apple Atonement
She’s the saint with a secret. He’s the sinner with a heart of gold.
For Emma Moritello, giving abandoned and rejected children a safe home is her life’s purpose, but pressures at work mean her dream may be coming to a close. And just when she thought life couldn’t get more challenging, along comes hockey’s bad boy, keen to make amends. God might want her to love her enemies, but it doesn’t mean she has to like them. Especially this hockey enforcer, who has the nerve to try to stir her heart.
TJ Woletsky has never tried to hide his sins—his exploits are tabloid fodder, and hockey teams love to hate him. Including his own. When a trade takes him to New York he’s confronted with the repercussions of his past, and time spent with the unfortunate helps ignite his desire to turn his life around. Until an incident in a nightclub makes everyone question whether this sinner can ever really change.
This story of second chances is the fifth book in the Original Six Christian hockey romance series, a sweet and swoony, slightly sporty, Christian contemporary romance series from bestselling author Carolyn Mille
For Emma Moritello, giving abandoned and rejected children a safe home is her life’s purpose, but pressures at work mean her dream may be coming to a close. And just when she thought life couldn’t get more challenging, along comes hockey’s bad boy, keen to make amends. God might want her to love her enemies, but it doesn’t mean she has to like them. Especially this hockey enforcer, who has the nerve to try to stir her heart.
TJ Woletsky has never tried to hide his sins—his exploits are tabloid fodder, and hockey teams love to hate him. Including his own. When a trade takes him to New York he’s confronted with the repercussions of his past, and time spent with the unfortunate helps ignite his desire to turn his life around. Until an incident in a nightclub makes everyone question whether this sinner can ever really change.
This story of second chances is the fifth book in the Original Six Christian hockey romance series, a sweet and swoony, slightly sporty, Christian contemporary romance series from bestselling author Carolyn Mille
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2022
11 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Miller
57 books1,035 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of romance, Carolyn loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her bestselling, award-winning Regency and contemporary novels are stories that offer hope, heart, and a twist of Aussie humour. Connect with her at www.carolynmillerauthor.com where you can find our more about her books, and sign up for her newsletter to be the first to know her book news.
Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of romance, Carolyn loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her bestselling, award-winning Regency and contemporary novels are stories that offer hope, heart, and a twist of Aussie humour. Connect with her at www.carolynmillerauthor.com where you can find our more about her books, and sign up for her newsletter to be the first to know her book news.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 1, 2024
I started reading this book and could hardly set it down! You can jump in and read this novel even if you haven't read any of the other books before it in the series. You will still be able to understand that TJ (Tyler) has had an exceptionally rough NHL career. He is regarded as hotheaded and dangerous on the ice. If you do read the books before this one, you will see TJ have run-ins with some of the main characters from time to time, causing injuries and even hospitalizations, and you will realize that he is well and truly disliked.
If you love a good redemption story, then Big Apple Atonement is one you do not want to miss. I was amazed at how the author took this character and made me truly connect with him and care about him. There was a lot for Tyler to overcome in this novel. He had a painful backstory, anger issues, made some bad decisions with how he reacted sometimes, and desperately wanted to save his hockey career.
Emma had her own secrets and some problems that kept pulling her down in the story, too. I loved seeing her heart change toward Tyler. It was not a quick change, even though she did find herself intrigued with him, at times. But, overall, she really resisted trusting that God could possibly have changed him. But, when she opened her eyes to how he treated the kids at the home she worked at, and began to realize the effort he was making to turn his life around, her heart was able to finally acknowledge what a good man he had become.
This was an amazing book! I was captivated by Tyler and Emma's story from start to finish.
If you love a good redemption story, then Big Apple Atonement is one you do not want to miss. I was amazed at how the author took this character and made me truly connect with him and care about him. There was a lot for Tyler to overcome in this novel. He had a painful backstory, anger issues, made some bad decisions with how he reacted sometimes, and desperately wanted to save his hockey career.
Emma had her own secrets and some problems that kept pulling her down in the story, too. I loved seeing her heart change toward Tyler. It was not a quick change, even though she did find herself intrigued with him, at times. But, overall, she really resisted trusting that God could possibly have changed him. But, when she opened her eyes to how he treated the kids at the home she worked at, and began to realize the effort he was making to turn his life around, her heart was able to finally acknowledge what a good man he had become.
This was an amazing book! I was captivated by Tyler and Emma's story from start to finish.
March 16, 2022
Big Apple Atonement by Carolyn Miller is the 5th in her Original Six Hockey series. The story is a stand alone, but we do hear about characters from other stories. Hockey player TJ Woensky causes problems by hurting other players, losing his temper, and having a bad attitude. Margarita (Emma) Moritello, Saint Margarita, runs a children’s home. She is seen as a saint, but doesn’t feel that way.
There is nothing like a wonderful redemption story. I love a story where someone changes their life and becomes a better version of themselves. It is a good reminder to me that God offers incredible grace to all of us. The characters in our story were interesting, thoughtful, and I enjoyed watching them work through their issues. Fantastic secondary characters gave the story depth and made me want to visit them for Thanksgiving!
I am becoming more of a hockey fan as I read this series, but know that you do not have to be one to enjoy the story. The themes of redemption, giving away your life, and extravagant grace spoke to my heart. The author has the gift of telling a story that speaks truth in a non-preachy way. I highly recommend it.
I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a review.
There is nothing like a wonderful redemption story. I love a story where someone changes their life and becomes a better version of themselves. It is a good reminder to me that God offers incredible grace to all of us. The characters in our story were interesting, thoughtful, and I enjoyed watching them work through their issues. Fantastic secondary characters gave the story depth and made me want to visit them for Thanksgiving!
I am becoming more of a hockey fan as I read this series, but know that you do not have to be one to enjoy the story. The themes of redemption, giving away your life, and extravagant grace spoke to my heart. The author has the gift of telling a story that speaks truth in a non-preachy way. I highly recommend it.
I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a review.
May 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I liked how we saw TJ change as he hit rock bottom and realized that he needed God’s grace. I like seeing this angry broken man change and become the person God wants him to be. I also loved seeing Emma learn to forgive and to realize that God can forgive her too. I liked that both of these characters had problems but they learned how to be changed. I also liked the romance between them and that it took some time before they could be together.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
May 5, 2022
This next book in the Original Six series is best read after the first four in order to understand the characters and the events that occur.
TJ Woletsky has been involved in too many fouls and injuries for the NHL and the managers not to notice. If he doesn't clean up his act soon, his career will be over for good. When TJ gets traded to New York for his last chance, he volunteers for community service to stay on the team's good side. One day he works at a children's home named Hopetoun House, where he meets Emma Moritello, the young woman in charge. TJ enjoys his time with the kids and is intrigued by Emma, who is horrified that she has to work with the man responsible for so many injuries. Through a series of events, TJ and Emma end up growing closer while they try to save the home from being shut down, and TJ reaches the very depths of despair before he comes to God for help. Can TJ keep on the straight path, and will he and Emma be able to overcome the misunderstandings and circumstances that stand in their way?
From the very first line of this book, I was laughing and curious. Throughout the rest of the series, TJ was portrayed as the bad boy who had no interest in changing. His struggle was heart-wrenching and his past was heartbreaking, as well as Emma's fight to keep the kids in a safe place where people actually cared about them. I think this has been the most raw and real book yet, and I believe it has value in showing the darker side of life that people have to go through in order to come to God. The writing was descriptive, encouraging, and filled with biblical truths. Though I am personally more conservative in my beliefs and the use of alcohol was too much, in my opinion, this is definitely a worthwhile read for the story and the truths revealed. I recommend this book and the rest of the series to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance and sports. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
I received a copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
TJ Woletsky has been involved in too many fouls and injuries for the NHL and the managers not to notice. If he doesn't clean up his act soon, his career will be over for good. When TJ gets traded to New York for his last chance, he volunteers for community service to stay on the team's good side. One day he works at a children's home named Hopetoun House, where he meets Emma Moritello, the young woman in charge. TJ enjoys his time with the kids and is intrigued by Emma, who is horrified that she has to work with the man responsible for so many injuries. Through a series of events, TJ and Emma end up growing closer while they try to save the home from being shut down, and TJ reaches the very depths of despair before he comes to God for help. Can TJ keep on the straight path, and will he and Emma be able to overcome the misunderstandings and circumstances that stand in their way?
From the very first line of this book, I was laughing and curious. Throughout the rest of the series, TJ was portrayed as the bad boy who had no interest in changing. His struggle was heart-wrenching and his past was heartbreaking, as well as Emma's fight to keep the kids in a safe place where people actually cared about them. I think this has been the most raw and real book yet, and I believe it has value in showing the darker side of life that people have to go through in order to come to God. The writing was descriptive, encouraging, and filled with biblical truths. Though I am personally more conservative in my beliefs and the use of alcohol was too much, in my opinion, this is definitely a worthwhile read for the story and the truths revealed. I recommend this book and the rest of the series to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance and sports. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
I received a copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
February 22, 2022
I have been waiting for TJs story and am so glad it’s here! It’s perfect. TJ has not played nicely and is not known for his high morals or willingness to look out for others. Eventually, this catches up to him and he finds himself having to prove why he’s worth the risk and his merits as a hockey player. I love getting to know his backstory and understanding a little more about why he is the way he is. As one who became a believer later in life with some baggage in tow, I loved his story development. There is lots of humble pie and receiving of love. True, genuine Love and forgiveness only found in Christ. I LOVE those who are willing to look beyond his past and tough guy exterior and take the time to get to know him as a person. Emma feels the tug on her heart because she sees that there is more to him that what the tabloids share. She listens to the whisper and gets to know TJ better and sees that there is a lot to love and appreciate. There are so many moments of grace and forgiveness and true friendship. This is truly a story about loving the unlovable and the blessings that come as a result. This is book 5 in the Original Six series and while it is fantastic to catch up on other characters, it can be fully appreciated all on its own as well. You do not have to love, or even understand, hockey to appreciate the depth and beauty of this story. I highly recommend this one by Carolyn Miller.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
May 23, 2022
Big Apple Atonement by Carolyn Miller is the fifth book in the Original Six Hockey series and a definite must read if you love inspirational contemporary romance stories that revolve around sports. I loved reading TJ and Emma's love story, but this story is more than just romance. It is about two people who learn that their past mistakes don't define them and whereas their changed lives and good works make a difference for those around them, they are saved by grace and God sees what is inside.
Emma learns that TJ is so much more than what he shows people on the outside and when he is with the children he seems like a totally different person. A person she wants to get to know better, but TJ has built up walls that even Emma has trouble breaking down.
When TJ's past finally catches up to him he is given one last chance. It is a chance that can turn his whole life around, if only he has the courage to make it happen.
This story has all the "feels" and I really enjoyed reading it. I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Emma learns that TJ is so much more than what he shows people on the outside and when he is with the children he seems like a totally different person. A person she wants to get to know better, but TJ has built up walls that even Emma has trouble breaking down.
When TJ's past finally catches up to him he is given one last chance. It is a chance that can turn his whole life around, if only he has the courage to make it happen.
This story has all the "feels" and I really enjoyed reading it. I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
February 14, 2024
Big Apple Atonement is the fifth romantic story in the Original Six Hockey Romance series. Emma and TJ make great leading characters for a powerful love story with extra depth. Miller tackles a messy but beautiful story of redemption which completely engaged me. Big Apple Atonement is filled with descriptions of characters and moments, which also brings about skillful character development and great romance in their relationship.
Quote: "I don’t think God wants us running around driving ourselves into the ground trying to prove to Him or to others or ourselves that we’re good enough. God knows we aren’t good enough, but we’ve been made good enough because of Jesus, and surely that should take the pressure off.”
Quote: "I don’t think God wants us running around driving ourselves into the ground trying to prove to Him or to others or ourselves that we’re good enough. God knows we aren’t good enough, but we’ve been made good enough because of Jesus, and surely that should take the pressure off.”
March 13, 2025
I have read a lot of Christian romance, and have noticed that even though a character may come to God, even though there are Bible verses, even though Jesus is mentioned, it doesn't actually mean that the book is really Christian. For instance, in this book there were 4 major turn-offs for me that I don't think should be in a book advertised as a Christian book.
1- Halloween was celebrated
2- Tattoos were promoted
3- There was a scene in a nightclub that was inappropriate
4- The main character had an abortion
I think we should be thinking about the things of God, and not focusing on the things of this world.
Here is a great video on this topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZW5Lt...
1- Halloween was celebrated
2- Tattoos were promoted
3- There was a scene in a nightclub that was inappropriate
4- The main character had an abortion
I think we should be thinking about the things of God, and not focusing on the things of this world.
Here is a great video on this topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZW5Lt...
May 6, 2022
This book is a great read! When the book starts with "He was, quite possibly, the ugliest man she had ever seen." You just know you are in for a great read. TJ's story is a wonderful example of how God can turn a person's life around. A beautiful romance that will keep you turning the pages. Loved it and highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 11, 2022
This was my second favorite book in the entire series. I LOVED TJ's characters. I loved his struggle and his relationship with Brandon. This book brought me to tears many times. Overall, TJ's character arc by far has been my favorite.
I continually love how Carolyn intertwines the characters in her books together and how they make cameos.
Her books are like watching a Hallmark movie and it just makes you feel good. They are addicting!
I continually love how Carolyn intertwines the characters in her books together and how they make cameos.
Her books are like watching a Hallmark movie and it just makes you feel good. They are addicting!
September 14, 2022
Favorite
I think this book is my favorite so far in this series. Yes I have one more to read but this one touched me so much. The themes of grace and forgiveness and seeing how God can get a hold of someone really spoke to me. Plus I love hockey and my team (Columbus Blue Jackets) was mentioned a couple of times. 😀 That was exciting!
I think this book is my favorite so far in this series. Yes I have one more to read but this one touched me so much. The themes of grace and forgiveness and seeing how God can get a hold of someone really spoke to me. Plus I love hockey and my team (Columbus Blue Jackets) was mentioned a couple of times. 😀 That was exciting!
August 24, 2023
A sweet story of redemption and grace
This story was full of grace and redemption. The main characters are each battling to accept God’s grace without trying to earn it. Forgiveness from others and recognition that our impressions and judgement on others may not be valid as we don’t know what God is doing in the lives of others.
This story was full of grace and redemption. The main characters are each battling to accept God’s grace without trying to earn it. Forgiveness from others and recognition that our impressions and judgement on others may not be valid as we don’t know what God is doing in the lives of others.
May 5, 2022
This book was Extra Incredible (And that’s saying something for a Carolyn Miller book!!!)! The characters were real! The plot had everything you would what in a contemporary Christian novel! I LOVED It!!! Probably my favorite of all of this series so far
May 6, 2022
great characters
When a book starts with “ He was, quite possibly, the ugliest man she had ever seen”, and this is the main character, you know this is not the typical romance. I love TJ! What a great story of God turning his life around.
When a book starts with “ He was, quite possibly, the ugliest man she had ever seen”, and this is the main character, you know this is not the typical romance. I love TJ! What a great story of God turning his life around.
June 25, 2022
I'm not always a fan of bad boys in romance, but Big Apple Atonement was the exception that proves the rule. I think that's because his actions are more self-destructive than messing with the lives of others, so there were no unfortunate victims.
February 5, 2024
WOW! What can I say?
I've loved each book more as I read through this series.
I think TJ might be my favourite hero, simply because he was so broken & God redeemed him so thoroughly. Emma's sad shame was a real eye-opener, too. Poor Emma, what a burden to carry for so long.
I've loved each book more as I read through this series.
I think TJ might be my favourite hero, simply because he was so broken & God redeemed him so thoroughly. Emma's sad shame was a real eye-opener, too. Poor Emma, what a burden to carry for so long.
February 21, 2024
Another great Christian romance from Carolyn Miller. You just want to root for TJ. You know he has had a difficult childhood for him to have so much anger. Is Emma the right influence for him or is she too consumed with her own guilt. I enjoyed the journey.
June 4, 2025
I have been riveted by this entire series, actually both of them: Original Six Hockey Series, and Northwest Ice Series. The storylines are true to life and brilliant: full of true life struggles and disappointments and the real faith it takes overcome.
May 23, 2022
This superbly written book has the winning combination of terrific characters, God's unmerited favour and second chances with a smidgen of hockey thrown in.
June 4, 2022
I love a good redemption story, and this was a great one! I completely bought the hero's transformation, and I really enjoyed seeing how the heroine's opinion of him slowly changed.
July 20, 2023
Great read
I really liked this one! Such a great story of redemption and grace. So glad she chose to tell Tyler’s story.
I really liked this one! Such a great story of redemption and grace. So glad she chose to tell Tyler’s story.
May 6, 2022
“He was, quite possibly, the ugliest man she had ever seen.” Which is, quite possibly, the best first line of a romantic book ever.
I really enjoyed this addition to the series. I still think Beau’s story is my favorite, but I’m a goalie mom. 🤷♀️
This is a lovely story of redemption and second chances. Which I adore. I loved that TJ had a satisfying arc in the series, and the whole thing felt very real. I love it when a book is so well written you forget that these aren’t real people!
I really enjoyed this addition to the series. I still think Beau’s story is my favorite, but I’m a goalie mom. 🤷♀️
This is a lovely story of redemption and second chances. Which I adore. I loved that TJ had a satisfying arc in the series, and the whole thing felt very real. I love it when a book is so well written you forget that these aren’t real people!
November 20, 2024
I loved Emma and was fully invested in her storyline. Emma becomes interim director of a children's home and meets TJ through her best friends husband Tim. Tim is captain of the hockey team that TJ has just been transferred to and the team actively volunteers at the children's home. Emma has preconceived notions about TJ and wants to keep her distance. However Tim & his wife Lacey are trying to help TJ change and he is constantly making appearances. TJ was great with the kids in the home and this begins to soften Emma's heart toward him. We witness TJ begin to change and pursue a relationship with God. I was rooting for a relationship between these two and I loved the friendship interactions between Emma and Lacey; and Tim & TJ. It did feel like the last couple chapters were telling the rest of the story rather than us showing us what happened, like how did TJ and his father reconcile? I also enjoyed getting updates from past series characters.
May 17, 2022
5th in Carolyn Miller’s series of Original Six Hockey stories, I found this one grittier than the previous four books.
The hero is a damaged guy, and definitely not the usual ruggedly handsome hero, while the leading lady was a not-so-young woman with secrets in her past.
But that’s what made this such a beautiful story for me in that Emma and TJ had such scope to grow and change. Their characters matured through the recognition of their brokenness and reconciliation with God enabled them to develop a real relationship with each other.
I love how Carolyn can use such flawed characters to depict what is possible with God to bring about a beautiful sensitive conclusion
I received a complimentary copy with no expectation of giving a favourable review.
The hero is a damaged guy, and definitely not the usual ruggedly handsome hero, while the leading lady was a not-so-young woman with secrets in her past.
But that’s what made this such a beautiful story for me in that Emma and TJ had such scope to grow and change. Their characters matured through the recognition of their brokenness and reconciliation with God enabled them to develop a real relationship with each other.
I love how Carolyn can use such flawed characters to depict what is possible with God to bring about a beautiful sensitive conclusion
I received a complimentary copy with no expectation of giving a favourable review.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews